7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical home appliance that we use daily. The temptation is to consider its utility for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain things that should not ever be flushed away down the toilet because they could cause blockage within the drainage system or damage the sewer pipe.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items in the bathroom because they could cause blockages in the drain or damages to the pipes.
- Seven household items you should never flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medications
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items will ultimately lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an expense that is unimaginable to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
There are 7 household things should not be flushed down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient but they don’t break down like toilet paper and could clog your plumbing system. Throw them away in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of both the plumbing in your home and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil should be removed from the container and thrown away in the garbage, since they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently marketed to be "flushable, " but flushing them could cause issues later on when they join with other products and cause a blockage.
5. Medicines
The flushing of medications should not occur down the toilet because they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be sturdy so it won’t fall apart in water, leading to potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, Paper towels have a thicker weave, which will make them less likely to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, meaning they can quickly cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of the seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains and damaged pipes within the plumbing system of your home, which comes at an unforetold price to the homeowner. Be mindful of the items you put down the drain.
| Item | Reason for not Flushing |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead. |
| Condoms | Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants. |
| Cooking grease and oil | Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes. |
| Feminine hygiene products | Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable". |
| Medications | Can contaminate our water sources. |
| Dental floss | Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes. |
| Paper towels | Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper. |
FAQ
Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t break down in water and can cause blockages in your sewer or pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Do I have to put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed into the toilet because they don’t dissolve easily and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and do not break down as easily, leading to possible clogs in the plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Can I flush them through the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways, so it’s vital to dispose them properly by taking them to a designated drop-off point.
If you’re dealing with blockage of your drain do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing solutions by calling Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing . We can help you unblock blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure that your home is free of drain issues. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- 5 Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Running Smoothly
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- From Blocked to Free-flowing: Drainage Solutions for Blocked Pipes
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- What to Know about Pipe Relining Services for Blocked Drains
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Don�t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
